MAC941 Dialogue

WLV

dialogue

Winter 2011/12 | Issue 15 | University of Wolverhampton | www.wlv.ac.uk

BRAND IDENTITY Exciting link with Children’s ITV

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Launch of new Performance Hub

DISASTER RESPONSE Visiting lecturer remembers tsunami

WELCOME

Welcome to the latest edition of WLV Dialogue magazine.

We have officially launched our new multi-million pound Performance Hub at our Walsall Campus, with help from TV choirmaster Gareth Malone.

Students, staff and visitors were treated to a performance by the University choir led by Gareth at the launch, providing an inspiring start to the life of this impressive building.

Employability is a key priority for the University of Wolverhampton, and on pages 2-3 we take a look at a partnership with Children’s ITV which is enabling art and design students to gain vital industry experience of working on a live brief. In addition, we have news on pages 6-7 of a successful year for Careers and Employment Services which has secured graduate placements, international internships and volunteering opportunities for students and recent graduates. We also take a look at a new Law Centre on pages 8-9 which has opened in Wolverhampton city centre, enabling students to provide free legal advice to real clients under the supervision of academics.

Professor Ann Holmes has joined the University as Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic) and on pages 12-13 she explains her plans for the role. We also have an interview with Professor of Conflict Studies Stephen Badsey, a leading academic specialising in military ideas and practice since the mid-19th Century. Stephen shares his insights into propaganda and the relationship between the media and armed forces during times of war on pages 10-11.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of WLV Dialogue. If you have any feedback for us, please get in touch at: wlvdialogue@wlv.ac.uk Our next magazine is out in the spring.

Best wishes Vickie Warren WLV Dialogue Editor

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CONTENTS 1

4

2

8

12

14

10

PAGE NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

Brand identity – Exciting link with CITV

2

In the spotlight – Launch of new Performance Hub

4

Bright future – Successful year for Careers

6

Raising the bar – New Law Centre opens

8

RESEARCH Changing perceptions – Professor of Conflict Studies Stephen Badsey

10

PROFILE Academic challenges – Q&A with Deputy VC Ann Holmes

FEATURE

Disaster response – Visiting lecturer remembers tsunami

12

14

Middle Eastern Promise – Growth in students from Saudi Arabia

16

BUSINESS Raising the roof – Lord Stafford Award success

18

Innovative beginnings – New business projects launched

20

PEOPLE Leading from the front – Chief Executive of Wolverhampton City Council Simon Warren

22

Graduate success story – Graphic Communication graduate Matt Zarandi

24

What’s on guide – University events

25

2 NEWS

Brand Identity Some brands are instantly recognisable.

Few people can see the golden arches without associating them with a Big Mac, while the red swirls of the Coca Cola logo are identifiable across the globe. But not all brands have the power to spark happy memories and associations from childhood, and instantly evoke a sense of fun and creativity.

Children’s ITV (CITV) is one brand that skilfully achieves this. Whether you are a child watching the programmes after school or a parent enjoying the channel with your pre-schooler the second time round, CITV is a popular and recognisable entity. The ethos of the channel is life with a cheeky twist of imagination, and the images that viewers are presented with are always light-hearted, amusing and quirky.

But as any good marketer knows, conveying fun and creativity using a few seconds of animation or footage is no mean feat. Idents, the short clips that television channels broadcast between programmes, are used in the industry to link shows while also subtly conveying a message about the corporate brand.

Students at the University of Wolverhampton were given a unique opportunity not only to create their own idents, but to pitch them, to Creative Director at CITV Dave Hickman and potentially see them hit the small screen.

This exciting opportunity was brought about by the Institute of Media Arts, led by Director Sam Hope, which aims to enhance students’ employability and create new opportunities with businesses.

Sam explains that gaining experience of working on live briefs is vital for students wanting to pursue a career within the media sector. A total of 21 students on the BA (Hons) Animation course were given a brief which specified that their idents had to be funny, age appropriate for 7-10 year olds, up to 10 seconds long, contain the CITV logo and reflect CITV’s personality. But other than that, they had a blank canvas and were encouraged to be original and creative.

Dave and Sam agree that the students well and truly rose to the challenge. The talented School of Art & Design students used a variety of techniques including drawn animation, 3D, textured design and photography and, most importantly, their imagination.

“The students showed a good level of professionalism in how they approached the project,” Dave says. “I was amazed that it was the first time they had presented. We are looking for idents but some of the ideas are bigger than that – you could almost rebrand the channel! No two ideas or approaches were the same.”

Sam agrees: “There’s such variety from in-your-face gags and classic jokes to well observed characterisation using, for example, a dinosaur and cavemen and to settings in quite surreal worlds, such as a really beautiful ‘child like’ dream scape with pandas snorkelling on the backs of dragons. This last animation is so different and a real quality piece that it is being extended by the student into a year long animated project.

“This experience has proved to be very inspirational to all of those involved and it is great to see the spread of ideas and creativity across the group.”

The students pitched their original ideas and were given feedback to improve their designs.

They then presented their idents to Dave, Sam and their peers again, receiving more comments and tips on how to hone their creations.

“The students worked very collaboratively and have been presenting to each other and getting feedback from the group which is a positive – and creative – way of working,” Sam continues.

Five idents were short listed by Dave and Sam, with support from Animation course leaders Emily Mantell, Sam Moore and Steve Arnott.

The next step involves Dave and his team looking at the idents to see which ones fit the brand and ethos of the channel. Those that meet the high creative and technical standards required could be broadcast on the CITV channel, and possibly be on screens later this year.

The process has undoubtedly been a positive, enlightening and valuable experience for the students. Jamie Cartwright created an ident featuring a spaceman relaxing in space which was one of the five shortlisted by CITV. The spaceman finds a new planet in the shape of the CITV logo and in his eagerness to get there, his jetpack malfunctions, he loses control and crashes into the logo.

NEWS 3

Jamie says: “It has been a joy working with CITV. Nothing like this opportunity has been available to me in the past and to work on an assignment and receive feedback from people within the industry is just fantastic.

“It’s been a challenge but most importantly, fun.

They have been nice people and very helpful. I am so thrilled that they liked my ident and took it onboard. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!”

It is valuable real-life experience for students aiming to secure jobs in a competitive and demanding industry. By working on a live brief, pitching ideas and creating material that is of broadcast quality their portfolios and CVs will

stand out among the crowd and enhance their employability.

Sam says: “The fact that the students have this opportunity through the partnership between CITV and the Institute of Media Arts is fantastic.

It is these sorts of experiences that we need to prepare students for the creative and media industries.

“To fulfill the brief, students need to present their ideas and communicate well, use technical equipment, work with others, produce a high quality finished product, demonstrate that they can work within defined parameters of time and resource and be exceptionally creative.

“We have seen the students deliver these requirements through this process and exhibit the sorts of skills needed to succeed in the media industry. That’s what’s expected.”

Dave has some wise words of advice for the students as they build their portfolios and consider career options.

“It’s a difficult world to get noticed. Often it’s luck – your CV falls on the right desk at the right time. But I would say be persistent and never give up on the path you ultimately want to pursue. It is fine to get a job to pay the bills but don’t lose sight of your dream job – animator, illustrator or whatever – make that your target and you’re sure to hit it.”

Cover image: Thomas Massey

4 NEWS

In the spotlight After seven years of planning and preparation, it was only fitting that the opening of the University’s spectacular Performance Hub would be an occasion to remember.

Students, staff and visitors have been overawed by the new building and the facilities on offer, and more than 150 people gathered to celebrate its completion. One very special guest was particularly impressed.

Gareth Malone, TV choirmaster and all-round inspirer, unveiled the plaque and led the University Chamber Choir in an outstanding performance in the black box theatre.

He said it was a great honour to open the ‘fabulous’ building, which he believes will give students the best opportunity to develop their future careers.

“The University has remarkable students and this is an absolutely outstanding facility. It will set the students up for a life of musicianship

and song, enhancing their lives and the society in which they live. I wish the students and all at the University the best of luck for the future,” he said.

Music student Laura Wright, who is in a number of choirs and plays the piano, was thrilled to be a part of such a memorable occasion.

Gareth found fame in the 2006 documentary series The Choir, which saw him bring music into the lives of students who had never sung before, ultimately taking them to compete in the World Choir Games in China.

She said: “I found that it was a really great experience, and found Gareth very inspirational. I have always watched him on TV and loved the way he worked.

To date, this successful series has won two BAFTA awards and an RTS award. Gareth was also on screen last year with BBC’s The Choir – Military Wives, bringing together women whose husbands are serving in Afghanistan. A single, Wherever You Are, was released as a result of the hit show and clinched the Christmas number one slot in 2011.

The students were very excited to perform under Gareth’s direction and were still buzzing from the event days later.

“I was so excited to meet him but I was slightly worried that he may not be the person he seemed on telly. I wasn’t disappointed though; he really was a lovely man, very kind and caring. He really made the ceremony, and it was a special moment to watch him unveil the opening of the Hub plaque.

“We all enjoyed the experience with Gareth and the ceremony, and it gave us all a buzz. It was truly marvellous to have taken part in it, and for the choir to be able to represent the University.

I had a great day and really wish I could do it all again.”

NEWS 5

Dean of the University’s School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure (SSPAL), John Pymm, was delighted with the success of the event and said: “The Performance Hub is one of the most impressive performing arts buildings in the country. It shows how we’re investing in our students, our communities, our region and in the fast-growing creative industries sector of the British economy.

“We were delighted that Gareth Malone was able to make time in his very busy schedule to officiate at the opening ceremony. He is a musician of exceptional talent who has won the hearts of the nation through his choir work on television and we were thrilled to welcome him to open our outstanding performing arts facilities.”

There were also addresses by Chair of the Board of Governors, Michael Elliott and Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor, as well as tours of the facilities. The event was also an opportunity to showcase the School’s

prestigious Steinway pianos. Wolverhampton became only the third university in the UK to receive All-Steinway School status from the world-renowned piano manufacturers. A plaque was formally presented by Managing Director of Steinway and Sons UK, Craig Terry, at the launch to mark this status.

Mr Terry said: “I have been with Steinway for 26 years and I have never seen anything as fine as this. We are so proud to have our pianos in the practice rooms here. It is a perfect marriage between Steinway and the University of Wolverhampton.”

The Performance Hub is the latest development at the University’s Walsall Campus, and has been built on the site of a former teaching tower and Halls of Residence, which were demolished in 2007.

The east wing features a new Learning Centre on the ground and first floors, dance and drama rehearsal spaces on the second floor,

with the third floor providing music practice rooms, recording studios and music technology suites. The west wing comprises a ‘black box’ theatre space with associated dressing and changing rooms, a green room and additional performance spaces.

The four-storey building houses teaching and rehearsal spaces for SSPAL, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including dance, drama, music, sport and physical activity, leisure and tourism. It includes performance areas, music rooms, a Virtual Technology facility and staff offices.

Students can be sure that they are given the best possible launchpad for their future careers – and a really enjoyable experience while they study.

6 NEWS

Bright future The standard story regarding employment, particularly for recent graduates, is that the situation is bleak. Figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest the jobless rate at the end of 2011 stood at 8.3% – the highest level since 1994. News like this can have a negative impact on not only the economy itself, but on people’s attitude to seeking employment.

“We have had companies complaining that people don’t apply for jobs they see advertised because they think they don’t have a chance.

But for graduates there are still opportunities,” explains Simon Brandwood, Head of the University of Wolverhampton’s Careers and Employment Services.

“The economy continues to get worse and unemployment has increased, but we have not seen a shortage of graduate vacancies or internships – they are still out there and companies still want graduates.”

This is played out by some exciting statistics from the last year. The latest figures from Careers and Employment Services at Wolverhampton show that graduates from the University are bucking the trend and securing internships and jobs. The unit placed 254 graduates in full-time employment last year against a target of 100. These are posts that companies have contacted The Workplace to advertise and the figures don’t include any additional activity by other aspects of the University or individual students themselves.

The University itself is an employer and filled 1,150 part-time internal vacancies in 2011, providing vital experience to students. This includes Student Ambassadors who work at the Open Days and on schools and college

liaison activity, and administration work around the University departments. A recruitment fair hosted at the end of last year attracted record numbers for the University, with over 1,500 students and recent graduates heading through the doors to meet companies such as Virgin Trains, IBM and Moog.

Volunteering provides another string to students’ bows and this is a strong ethos at the University. Again the figures are positive - Active Volunteers has seen 715 students take up opportunities, working with 161 organisations in the West Midlands to achieve this.

Global thinking The University aspires to ensure all graduates are global citizens and secured funding from the European Commission’s Leonardo Mobility project to send over 60 graduates to work for companies in the Netherlands. Simon explains this has been a particularly successful initiative, with students working for large multi-national companies such as BAM on engineering and construction projects including building tunnels under roads in Amsterdam. New this year has been an international volunteering project and the University has graduates working with the Dutch Red Cross in Holland on fundraising and specific campaigns.

“I think the benefits include raising aspirations,” Simon says. “We are exposing our graduates to different cultures and different working environments, which widens their horizons and networks.”

And the stats and positive sentiments are reflected in students’ feedback. Another successful initiative is the STEP Graduate Placement programme, which enables graduates to undertake a paid placement

in businesses across the West Midlands for between 12 and 44 weeks. The roles are varied, ranging from marketing and Web design to engineering. Simon explains there are some great success stories, with large employer Tarmac taking on a student who had an excellent experience, while IT company Ingersoll took a graduate on a placement and ended up giving them a job. The firm is now on their third placement.

Geography and English graduate Katherine Sandford explains what a difference such a scheme makes to students. She has been on a placement with Tarmac Building Products working as a Marketing Assistant.

She says: “I have really been enjoying my STEP Graduate placement. I was instantly made to feel like one of the team and have been involved in all sorts of different projects.

NEWS 7

Factbox • 1,150: How many part-time internal vacancies Careers and Employment Services has managed and filled.

• 1,500: The number of visitors to the University’s recruitment fair.

• 715: The number of students that have taken up opportunities with Active Volunteers, which has worked with 161 organisations in the West Midlands in the last year to achieve this.

• 254: How many graduates Careers and Employment Services has placed into full-time employment in 2011, against a target of 100.

• Over 60: The number of graduates who have worked for companies in the Netherlands through Leonardo-funded international internships.

• 26: How many graduates the University has placed onto the STEP programme since becoming the West Midlands provider four and a half months ago. There are currently 67 additional companies wishing to recruit through this programme.

My favourite moment has been working with a creative agency on a magazine advert and seeing it being published! It was great seeing all that hard work come together to promote the product.”

This positive view is reflected by Tarmac.

Marketing Manager Angela Griffin says: “Overall, we have found the STEP programme to be an excellent initiative. We were provided with a very high calibre of suitable candidates.

Katherine has fitted into the marketing team remarkably well and has seemed very comfortable liaising with people at all levels throughout our business.

Simon’s top three tips 1

It’s not who you know, but who knows you and what you can do!

“I have been impressed with Katherine’s level of ability and skill. Her excellent ‘can-do’ attitude will serve her very well in the future. Katherine has been a credit to the STEP programme. We would definitely welcome more graduates into our business through the STEP programme and we look forward to a beneficial relationship in the future.”

It is stories like these which inspire the Careers and Employment Service to continue.

“At the Careers and Employment Service, we continue to aspire to enhance the skills of our students and graduates and open up as many

2

Experience, experience, experience, and recognising that you have got experience.

This includes part-time work and volunteering – any time you are exposed to organisational structures and targets.

opportunities as possible,” Simon explains.

“Over the last couple of years, we have taken up and succeeded in delivering a plethora of internships, programmes and continue to develop that. That is what sets us apart in the higher education sector.

“We know that is important for our students and we will continue to take every opportunity to deliver internship programmes and entrepreneurship initiatives so that we maximise employment opportunities for our graduates.”

3

Get guidance in terms of your CV and interview techniques so that you can capitalise on your University experience and get the job you want.

8 NEWS

Raising the bar Law remains a popular career choice for students. Those with the right skills, ambition and confidence can aspire to great things within a profession that is challenging, demanding and almost certainly different every day. But alongside knowledge and talent sits another important component to any aspiring solicitor’s or barrister’s CV – experience.

Gaining work experience within a law firm can be a competitive business, with many motivated students competing for a small number of placements. A new initiative at the University of Wolverhampton aims to provide

exciting opportunities for students to gain vital real experience while also providing a service for the community.

A new Law Centre providing free legal advice has opened in a void shop unit in the Mander Shopping Centre in Wolverhampton city centre. Under the supervision of academics, law students provide advice to members of the public on a range of subjects, from employment law issues to small and medium sized business start-up matters.

“The new Law Centre has been established to provide real experience of offering legal advice,

which will further enhance the employability of our graduates,” explains Mumtaz J Hussain, Director of Postgraduate and Part-time Education at the School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications.

“The University has a strong focus on providing our students with the attributes needed for the world of work, and this initiative aims to develop their communication skills, provide experience of carrying out practical legal research and apply this to a real case.”

Mumtaz has led the development of the new Law Centre with support from Associate Dean,

NEWS 9

Jyoti Chumber, Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Layer and Vito Giambalvo

At the opening, two students who have already been cutting their teeth as legal advisors at the Centre gave speeches explaining how the law clinics have already impacted on their careers.

Vito Giambalvo is a second year LLB (Hons) student. He said: “The Law Clinic has enabled me to focus my attention on the skills which are necessary to become a successful advocate.

Skills such as communication with members of the public and the legal profession, public speaking, practical legal research skills, legal analysis and application of the law.

“All these skills are developed and applied at the Law Clinic, as we are having to communicate with members of the public with real legal issues that they want addressed, requiring us all to undertake legal analysis of their matter, followed by practical legal research and providing useful advice to our clients to the best of our abilities.”

Lynn Leighton-Johnstone and Dean of School, Professor Judith Burnett. In addition, the Centre has received the backing of Black Country law firms, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP and Talbots, who will provide guidance to the students in relation to their practical legal research, legal analysis and advice.

The students offering advice in the clinics are LLB (Hons) undergraduates in the second and third years of their courses, as well as Legal Practice Course (LPC) and postgraduate law students, and will be fully supervised by law academics.

Jyoti Chumber, who is also in her second year of the LLB (Hons) course, agrees. “It encourages us, as law students, to persevere in our future aspirations and keep focused on our aims, whether that means getting an excellent classification law degree, gaining a training contract, developing our CVs, providing motivation to become a solicitor or barrister or follow any other legal career, or simply giving us direction of what possibilities could open up for us.”

Both students have found working at the Law Centre has opened doors for them. Jyoti found networking with local solicitors and meeting groups and individuals has enabled her to secure a part-time job as a receptionist at Quality Solicitors Talbots, at their free legal surgery. Meanwhile Vito has marshalled at Birmingham Crown Court, met with a QC and secured a mini-pupillage at St Ives Chambers in Birmingham.

But aside from the useful work experience the students are gaining, the Law Centre is also providing a valuable service for the community.

Clients have provided positive feedback, particularly in relation to how it has given them the confidence to take the next steps to resolve their matter by going on to seek professional legal help.

“The Law Centre provides a win-win outcome for us students and for our local communities, by giving them a welcoming place of help and direction for their matters and issues,” Jyoti says.

Vito adds: “The most rewarding aspect for me has been that we are dealing with real individuals and are able to provide some help to them from our learning and knowledge of the law.”

The Law Centre is open from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm. Clients are seen via appointments, which can be made by emailing: lawcentre@wlv.ac.uk or calling: 01902 322484.

10 RESEARCH

Changing perceptions During the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, people had access to scenes of war in a way never experienced before.

Both campaigns occurred when 24-hour rolling news has become the norm, and Twitter is some people’s first port of call for breaking news. To churn out this level and amount of coverage, the media have had unprecedented access to the armed forces on the ground.

“During the recent war in Iraq from 2003 to 2011, a major issue was the embedded reporters,” explains Stephen Badsey, Professor of Conflict Studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

“You have to consider the extent to which having reporters so closely attached to the armed forces was a good thing, or whether they became institutionalised by the military organisation. There are also issues about whether having someone with a digital camera, who is able to instantly upload images to the internet, is the best way of covering the activities of war.

“There have been massive technological advances making it possible to beam pictures straight back from a war zone, but that doesn’t necessarily help people understand what is going on.”

Propaganda and the relationship between the media and armed forces during times of war is one of the areas of research that Stephen is best known for internationally.

He says: “One of the things we have found as far back as we can trace it, right back to the modern emergence of newspapers in the early 19th Century, is that the normal relationship between the news media and the armed forces is one of wary collaboration, and co-operation with each other through negotiation.

“The great generals and war leaders, and the great journalists of the day, have been people who have understood that. It is a relationship to be managed, not a problem to be solved, and is one that will continue into the future.”

This may not be the common view of the relationship between the media and the military, but as Professor Badsey says, a lot of his work involves overturning people’s ideas of conflict.

“We spend a lot of time investigating and ruining other people’s myths. One of the most common since the end of the Cold War has been the ‘CNN Effect,’ which suggests that the development of the 24-hour news channels has driven demands to send troops into troubled areas, after which fatalities among the same troops drives media demands to bring them home.

“But this is not a true reflection of what happens. Governments and armed forces have become much more sophisticated in their understanding of their role in the news.”

Stephen, from the University’s School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications, has been writing for more than 20 years about the media and the art of war. His expertise has led him to be invited to share his research findings and knowledge with some important figures. In the 1990s his work was used by UN peacekeepers in Bosnia, and a decade later he helped advise the headquarters of NATO armed forces in Afghanistan. He has also advised the US and Australian armies on the history of media issues.

A different viewpoint Professor Badsey’s other main area of research is military ideas and practice since the mid-19th Century. Last year he advised the Japanese government on the importance of the Falklands War in expeditionary warfare.

Much of his research, including his last book and his next one, is about the First World War. The year 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of this major event in world history. He explains that historians’ views on the war and Britain’s role in it have changed dramatically since the 1960s; but that the popular and media view of the war has not moved at all with the latest historical findings.

“History is never fixed, but television documentaries and journalists have failed to convey the last decades of research – they have helped change public perceptions of the dinosaurs and particle physics, but they have failed with the First World War. “Historians are rather like physicists. We spend a lot of time explaining to people – in our case mainly politicians, economists and others – why their cherished ideas are out of date. Our knowledge of our history establishes who we are – what happened in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan helps inform our everyday life and what kind of society we are. So to have a false image of a major event like the First World War is much more significant than people realise.”

Part of the problem, Professor Badsey explains, is the role over decades of fictional portrayals of the war in shaping people’s views.

He lists Oh! What a Lovely War in the 1960s, Blackadder Goes Forth in the late 1980s, and the recent play and film War Horse.

He says: “They are wonderful fiction, but they are about as accurate as Shakespeare’s Henry V! “The First World War was a dreadful experience. It was Britain and the world’s first experience of a mass industrialised war, and nothing had happened before on such a scale and intensity. But what kind of experience was it? Like other events in history, some of the folk myths don’t hold up to investigation.

RESEARCH 11

“Were all the generals really idiots? Is it true that there was complete trench deadlock and no-one knew what to do about it? Did women get the vote because they worked in munitions, and did every family lose a loved one? These are common perceptions of the war, but none of them are actually true.”

the release of official documents since the 1960s, and a rise in interest in the First World War. People who have taken holidays in France have driven past the graveyards of soldiers and wanted to find out more about what happened.

There is still a mass of information for historians to work through.

But Stephen’s research encompasses a mixture of the history and modern issues such as defence and security, taking him to places all over to world to share his expertise. And it is his clear view that history has a vital role in broadening our knowledge and understanding of today’s major political and social challenges.

Stephen, who joined the University five years ago as Reader in Conflict Studies, explains that there are a number of reasons why understanding has changed. There has been

Military history is now established in British universities as a respected academic discipline.

Professor Badsey explains this wasn’t always the case, and in the 1960s there was a prevailing view that the subject was all about studying uniforms and battles.

He says: “Human knowledge of history and how it can help us is still in its infancy. We know how to build nuclear bombs, computers and smart phones, but we’re only just at the start of learning how to abolish war.”

12 PROFILE

PROFILE 13

Academic challenges Professor Ann Holmes joined the University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in September. The move marked a welcome return to Wolverhampton for Ann, who studied a BA (Hons) in Law in 1975 and went on to complete a MPhil in Competition Law in 1979.

In addition to her degrees from Wolverhampton, Professor Holmes also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from Aston University. Prior to pursuing a career in higher education, she spent five years working for the Health and Safety Executive in the West Midlands as an HM Inspector of Factories.

Her role will involve driving forward the academic development of the University.

How did it feel to return as Deputy Vice-Chancellor to the University you had studied at, and how has the institution changed?

1

It has been such a long time since I was here as a student that it actually felt as though I was coming to somewhere new. The staff have changed and so have the buildings. The bit that was familiar was Wolverhampton itself, and the ‘Marble’ entrance to the University.

Higher education has changed drastically in the last 10 years and is continuing to change. The University is not the same place as when I was a student and neither is higher education.

2

What does your role involve?

The role of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is broad. It involves overseeing quality assurance and enhancement, learning and teaching, curriculum development and line managing the Deans of the eight Academic Schools. It is a very broad portfolio and within that there are areas that I need to focus on as a matter of priority. The key essential for me is that as an Executive we work together to determine and deliver the strategic direction of the University to meet the challenges facing higher education.

3

What are your plans for the academic development of the University?

One of the major components of our new Strategic Plan is to develop what we are calling ‘the Wolverhampton Offer’, which is about enhancing the student experience. I have set up a task and finish group and we have delivered the overarching principles. This encompasses a series of key commitments to underpin and enhance the student experience at each stage of the student life cycle. The next thing is to really push on with the development of online and distance learning at undergraduate and postgraduate level. We know that students want to study in a more flexible way, both on and off campus, and at our overseas partners, so we need to make sure our programmes can be offered in a flexible way.

4

What do you think are the key aspects of Wolverhampton courses that make them stand out to students?

Employability and how we embed this in the curriculum is something that will make us stand out. We are committed to ensuring that employment opportunities are a recognised part of the curriculum, and ensuring all students have the skills that employers want. The reason that our work on this will make us stand out is that employability will become an even bigger part of student expectations. More than ever before, they will be asking what it is about their programme or course that will help improve their career or employment prospects.

5

What do you enjoy most or find most rewarding about your role?

It is early days but I am very impressed by the commitment of both the academic and support staff. The staff I am working with have been extremely supportive and committed to making a difference, for example developing the Wolverhampton Offer. The staff fully appreciate the challenges we face post 2012.

The Students’ Union here is excellent and so are the SU officers. I’ve been impressed by

their engagement and the fact that they are committed to working in partnership with the University. The rewarding bit has been getting to know the people I will be working closely with and the fact everybody has been very supportive and friendly. Although I appreciate there are still lots of staff I have yet to meet.

6

Higher education is going through the biggest changes for a generation – what advice would you offer to potential students and their families when considering university?

I don’t think they should be put off by the financial changes. There are no fees payable upfront. It is, in reality, a graduate tax that many graduates will defer paying as they need to reach a certain salary first. I would encourage students and their families to enquire about bursaries and scholarships – there is financial help available from the University. If they don’t look into the support available they may think that University is not for them but the evidence is that being a graduate increases your employability and that graduates generally earn more than non-graduates.

7

If you were at University today, what would you like to study?

I am a law graduate and I would still study law. I continue to write on particular areas of employment law which is my area of expertise.

I’m currently working on the ninth edition of my employment law book which I write for the Oxford University Press. My particular interest is equality law and I still keep up-to-date with this.

8

Who do you admire?

Sir David Attenborough. I have adored him since I was six years old. I admire his intellect, his knowledge, his passion for the natural world and the way he can convey complex issues in a way everyone can understand. He has said that the best educators are those that can enthuse and motivate and he is a great example of that.

14 FEATURE

Disaster response Forensic science students at the University of Wolverhampton are learning about effective responses to major disasters – from someone who knows all about them. Former Detective Superintendent Derek Forest OBE was the International Police Commander working alongside the Thai Police following the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 and is a Visiting Lecturer at the University.

This Christmas saw the 7th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Earthquake, which claimed the lives of more than 280,000 people. The devastation caused by the resulting tsunami is hard to imagine, with 13 countries affected over a seven hour period and deaths recorded 5,000 miles away from the epicentre of the quake. As the horror unfolded, it became clear that recovering the victims and notifying families was going to be a huge undertaking.

During his time with West Midlands Police Derek Forest spent 16 months in Thailand following the disaster. As International Police Commander, his role involved managing the law enforcement and forensic experts from the 31 countries that responded to the incident.

This focused on recovery of victims’ bodies from the beaches, towns and surrounding islands.

With experts from different countries with varying experience, equipment and protocols, one of the main challenges was how everyone would work together effectively.

“It very quickly became apparent that the only way the operation would work was in a joined up and co-ordinated operation,” Derek

explains. “Protocols were drawn up that delivered one process and within that was a command structure. The challenge here was to ensure that all victims were treated equally and that no discrimination or favouritism was shown to any particular individuals or groups. The UK stepped forward to provide a commander, which was me – although I didn’t find that out until I arrived in Bangkok!

“Thousands of people were reported missing from 36 countries in the early stages. The UK had 147 victims of the tsunami, but by the end of Boxing Day we had 22,000 British people reported missing. The policy is to get the numbers down as quickly as possible, for example by tracing people who had gone to hospital or those trying to escape the devastation through local airports.”

Derek says the grim task involved recovering victims, creating temporary mortuaries, examining victims and obtaining as much descriptive detail as possible, including property and clothing. It also involved collecting DNA, fingerprints, dental information and also noting unique physical features

or medical interventions such as tattoos, prosthetic implants or pacemakers.

“At the same time we sent out to the 36 countries to provide descriptive details of all the missing people - their dental records, any available fingerprint data and DNA if available or their family’s DNA. We were then able to compare this against all the information gathered from the post mortems.

FEATURE 15

“At a point when a forensic identification could be delivered with integrity, we would put that through an identification commission chaired by the Royal Thai Police, and if they were satisfied that identity had been established the information would be delivered to embassies or to the families direct if they were local.”

Although a huge, daunting and distressing task, the recovery operation was immensely important for the families of the missing people. They were able to make decisions about what happened to their loved ones, whether they were repatriated or given a local funeral. In total 7,000 bodies were recovered as part of the operation Derek was involved in – and by the time he left over a year after the disaster, 580 had still not been identified.

These people were in the main believed to be local Thais whose whole family had been washed away in the incident, leaving no-one to report them missing or identify them.

Derek, who is now retired, shares his experiences of the Boxing Day Tsunami with students on the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

course. He says this provides an overview of disaster management and identification.

“One of the main challenges around a big disaster like this was the size of the scene – 240 miles of coastline were penetrated two to three miles inland – and also you cannot eliminate the community from the scene. We were also working in different conditions to what we were used to – it was between 32 and 35 degrees centigrade and 80% humidity.

This provided additional challenges in terms of preserving the forensic opportunities for the subsequent identification process.

“In my lecture I explain to the students the principles of the recovery and the dignity afforded to that process. I also talk about who you are doing it for – the families.

“One of the main benefits for the students is that they are given insight into an area of forensic investigation which is probably at the extremes of what they would traditionally understand forensic work to entail. This may not have been an area they would have considered to pursue as a career or

to specialise in, but it shows that they do not have to use their expertise just in law enforcement, they can also consider aid agencies and the British Red Cross.”

Dr Raul Sutton, Head of the Department of Forensic and Molecular Science, agrees. He explains Wolverhampton Forensic Science students learn all the skills that would be expected of scientists, so they can handle numerical data using statistics, explain themselves effectively in a court of law and have a methodical approach to practical work.

Forensic science graduates have excellent job prospects, entering fields such as scene of crime work, quality assurance in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, trading standards, public and industrial health and safety, and accident investigation.

The School of Applied Sciences is also launching an MSc Forensic Genetics and Human Identification, which aims to teach graduates about the techniques used in Disaster Victim Identification and Management.

Derek will play a significant role in the delivery of this award.

Whatever career students enter, they will no doubt hope they do not have to face the sights and scenes Derek Forest encountered in Thailand. But if they ever do, their practical experience and academic expertise will stand them in good stead for the challenges and the important role they will play.

16 INTERNATIONAL

Middle Eastern Promise

The University welcomes students from over 100 countries every year, contributing to a diverse international community of around 2,500 students.

The International Centre has been developing its work in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular, leading to an exciting increase in students from this region.

INTERNATIONAL 17

target from the Saudi Arabian market over the last year. More than 120 students from Saudi Arabia enrolled at the University in September for the 2011/12 year, and a further 80 recently arrived to start their studies in Semester 2.

Foundation/undergraduate degree programme and, as a result, students can progress from their International Foundation Year onto their undergraduate programme without having to renew their visa.”

International Officer Carl Adaway explains: “We plan to visit Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2012 in order to meet high-ranking personnel in the Ministry of Education and other relevant and influential educational bodies with a view to establishing a stronger relationship and ensure continued growth over the coming years.”

In addition, Wolverhampton is a great place to study and its location makes it an excellent place from which to explore the rest of the UK. The feedback has been very positive, with the students praising the staff for being friendly, supportive and always prepared to make time to listen to them. They also enjoy the opportunities to be involved in group debate, as well as mixing with other nationalities and learning about different cultures.

The students are on a variety of different courses at the University, with students enrolled on subjects at six of the eight academic Schools. The majority of the students are funded by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau for a period of 18 months for their English Language programmes followed by their period of study, whether that is at undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD level.

The Bureau maintains a close interest in the academic progress of the students and the relationship led to a visit to the University from high profile figures from the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London recently.

Professor Ghazy Almakky, Cultural Attaché to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in London, and his colleague Dr Aiman Momenah, Deputy Cultural Attaché, visited the University before Christmas and met with Saudi students to discuss their experience so far.

International students are a vibrant part of campus life, and many graduates comment on how studying at Wolverhampton has enabled them to build relationships with friends from other countries and learn about different cultures.

The International Centre (IC) has a pivotal role in seeking new markets to maintain a healthy, stable and diverse overseas student body for the University. As one market may decline, the University seeks new areas to develop links with partners and launch recruitment drives.

In late 2010, the IC began work with overseas partners to build numbers of Middle Eastern students, primarily from Saudi Arabia.

The initiative has been a success, and the IC has significantly exceeded its recruitment

Jo Gittens, Director, International, is delighted with the University’s success in recruiting from this new market, and sees the development as a positive step for the International Centre and the University community as a whole.

She says: “Staff and students at the University benefit from the expansion of our global community to include the Middle East and the Arabic speaking nations, bringing further diversity and playing an important role in our internationalisation agenda.”

And as the new students share their positive experiences with their friends and families back home, the number of students from Saudi Arabia making the journey to Wolverhampton is set to rise in coming years.

They also met with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, and other staff members and were given tours of the facilities of the School of Technology and School of Applied Sciences.

So why is Wolverhampton attractive to this particular market?

The excellent support mechanisms in place for international students is a key selling point.

“Many Saudi Arabian students need to attend an English Language programme prior to the start of their course,” Head of International Recruitment and Special Projects, Yves Milhavy, explains. “The University of Wolverhampton offers an array of English Language programmes from beginners’ level right up to IELTS 6.0 standard and beyond.

“The International Centre has also introduced a new, fully integrated four-year International

Staff and students benefit from the expansion of our global community

18 BUSINESS

Raising the roof With many business suffering from the effects of the economic downturn, the Lord Stafford Awards are an annual reminder that there is still much to be positive about and highlight the crucial role universities play in relation to industry.

Established in 1997, the Awards recognise and encourage the development of collaborative relationships between businesses and universities.

They support growth and economic prosperity for the UK, and aim to encourage co-working and to embrace innovation. Each year, they are a highlight in the Midlands business calendar.

The University of Wolverhampton’s work with Midlands businesses has received recognition with several awards over the years and 2011 was no exception, with a ground-breaking new tile being singled out for its environmental credentials.

The Green Roof Tile Company, in Telford, scooped a Lord Stafford Award for its revolutionary roofing tile made from recycled polymers, developed with help from the University. It won the Innovation for

Environmental Sustainability category, presented in recognition of a business or an individual which demonstrated new products or services that contribute to environmental sustainable development.

The Envirotile was developed by roofer of 35-years and Managing Director of the company, Trevor Wakefield, and weighs just 710g – less than a quarter of the weight of conventional concrete roof tiles.

Trevor worked alongside the Caparo Innovation Centre at the University to test the tile. Andrew Pollard, Caparo Industrial Professor, said: “The Green Roof Tile Company and the University have been working together since 2008.

Winning a Lord Stafford Award is a tremendous honour for both. We’re proud of this accolade, which reflects a great product and a great collaboration.

“Over the last three years, we have worked tirelessly to develop a sustainable, yet functionally advanced, product range. Whilst companies are generally encouraged to develop green products, it is quite common for projects to fail when the cost of producing an eco-friendly product is weighed up against developing a product from virgin material.

“This recognition of success for The Green Roof Tile Company will encourage other businesses that are attempting to adopt similar sustainable principles.”

Trevor said: “I knew there was scope for a product that could act as a vessel for polymer waste streams in the form of a modern roof tile, and that at this time there was no effective roof tile product here in the UK that was properly designed and made entirely from recycled polymer.

“I would personally like to acknowledge the support of the Caparo Innovation Centre at the University of Wolverhampton

BUSINESS 19

Jon Lester from the University of Wolverhampton, Trevor Wakefield from The Green Roof Tile Company, Stuart Haynes from Martin Kaye Solicitors and Lord Stafford.

as their help was invaluable in assisting me make my idea become a reality.”

The company has since increased turnover by almost 20 per cent.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the University of Birmingham Great Hall in November. Lord Stafford, patron of the awards, said: “Every year the wealth of innovation in the Midlands developed as a result of collaboration with universities becomes more and more spectacular.

“The winners of the 2011 awards have all demonstrated brilliance in the nature of their

collaborations whether it is using innovation to tackle a specific challenge – as was the case with the idea that was born in the workplace and then brought to life with the help of a University – such as Envirotile.

“Despite the economic situation at the moment, the importance of innovation is vital to recovery and the awards show how much innovation is still taking place.”

We’re proud of this accolade, which reflects a great product

20 BUSINESS

Innovative beginnings Paying cash at the supermarket tills could soon be a thing of the past. Even the days of unloading food and other products onto a conveyor belt could be numbered.

New technology is paving the way for shoppers to simply pass through a sensor which detects the contents of a trolley without the barcodes even needing to be visible, and then consumers can use their mobile phones to pay for the items. Even popping back in for that forgotten item is simple, as the sensors only pick up on items that have not already been paid for. A 10 minute tedious job suddenly becomes a one minute affair.

Technology such as this could transform the way businesses operate. Two new projects at the University’s Telford Campus are helping to demonstrate to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the West Midlands how they could use new technology and then assist them to adapt it to their individual needs.

The New Technologies for Automatic Identification Location and Sensing (NTAILS) project, managed by IT Futures at the School of Technology, promotes awareness and adoption of new technologies such as Quick Response (QR) codes, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) barcodes and sensors.

As part of the project, a Demonstration Centre has been built on campus which includes a walk-through interactive scenario to illustrate to businesses how they could adopt the technology. The scenarios include a shop, warehouse, library and pharmacy. Guests at a special launch event recently were able to take tours through the scenarios, and see for themselves how such technology could increase their productivity.

IT Innovation Consultant, Richard Przeplata, explains: “Our aim is to increase the take-up of new technologies to make businesses more economically competitive and their business

sustainable. The technology we are showcasing would usually only be affordable by large blue chip companies, but we are opening up the technology to a wider economic audience.

“The Demonstration Centre enables us to show SMEs how they can adopt that technology and improve their business processes.”

Meanwhile, the Innovation 1st project aims to help businesses raise the level of technology they use. Just down the corridor from the Demonstration Centre is a new state-of-the-art Visualisation Centre, which showcases how companies can utilise cutting edge technology such as touch-sensitive 70-inch plasma screens, interactive whiteboards, single or multi-point video conferencing and presentation recording facilities.

This hi-tech presentation and communication suite uses Internet connections to deliver presentations or enable conferences and discussions anywhere in the world. The Visualisation Centre holds the key to a wealth

BUSINESS 21

of opportunities for companies to work more innovatively, smartly and effectively.

Steve Smith is Lead Innovation and Technology Advisor at Innovation 1st. He explains: “There are a lot of entrepreneurial and innovative companies in our region but they are not employing very many people. Why? Because they are not growing. They have the ideas and knowledge but don’t know how to develop them. That’s where Innovation 1st comes in.

We aim to assist SMEs in using advanced technologies to conceptualise their business problems and formulate new solutions.”

But the projects go further than demonstrating the technology. Both initiatives are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and provide two days, fully-funded assistance for eligible businesses.

NTAILS provides two days of assistance to SMEs looking to adopt RFID and sensor technologies into their business. The project also offers equipment loan, graduate placements and a range of free to attend technology seminars.

Meanwhile, Innovation 1st provides the two days of business assistance for SMEs to implement innovative solutions to boost the performance of their business. Companies are encouraged to adopt the most appropriate solutions for their business through the creation of a business implementation plan.

It is this support that can really make a difference to a small or medium sized business with aspirations for expansion.

As Professor Ian Oakes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise at the University, explains: “The University is committed to supporting regional businesses to increase their productivity and be more competitive in the global market.

“These two new projects showcase how technology can transform the way a business operates. The University has a key role in the regional economy and we are delighted to offer advice, consultancy and other support to companies as part of our Innovation and Enterprise strategy.”

Around 100 business people and stakeholders attended the launch event, and many took advantage of the opportunity to tour the impressive facilities.

One such businessperson was Ghislaine Headland-Vanni of Shropshire Therapies Ltd. Ghislaine has benefitted from business assistance through NTAILS. Shropshire Therapies was interested in learning about the application of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) techniques through the use of QR codes and Near Field Communication (NFC) in different business processes such as payment processing, calendar events and dynamic ‘smart posters’. Consultants from the project team advised on the suitability and uses of AIDC, with real-life demonstrations on how adoption of the technologies would help the company to innovate.

Ghislaine says: “Seeing all the new technology was mind-blowingly awesome and has enabled me to think about innovative ways to move my business forward. I think the University of Wolverhampton is a fantastic resource to enable small businesses such as mine to get access to quality business support and advice.

“I would highly recommend the projects to other business owners and look forward to working with the University in the future.”

With businesses across all sectors facing the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in 2012, these new projects will enable SMEs to see how they can increase productivity and forge a new future.

Professor Robert Moreton, Dr Stuart Slater, Professor Geoff Layer, Marc Fleetham and Professor Ian Oakes

22 PEOPLE

Leading from the front Simon Warren is the Chief Executive of Wolverhampton City Council. He joined Wolverhampton from Rugby Borough Council where he was Chief Executive from 2006 to 2010.

to some of the best countryside England has to offer, there are good and improving schools, we have major cultural facilities and of course there is the University. So our city is a great place to live, work and do business.

Prior to working in local government he had an extensive career in the armed forces – he was a pilot and senior officer in the Royal Air Force, and held the post of Head of Strategic Management for NATO in America before joining local government.

The people here are extremely resilient. We have 1,000 years of manufacturing history behind us and now we have some very hightech industry here, such as Jaguar Land Rover and several important aerospace industries.

The future for Wolverhampton does look bright.

The University and Council have a close relationship, working together on projects to boost trade, industry and education links for the benefit of the city.

1

What do you think are Wolverhampton’s strengths as a city?

I think the city has two main strengths – its geography and the people who live in it. The point about geography is that Wolverhampton is in a superb position; we are in a confluence of motorways, have high speed rail and an international airport close by so you can easily get to anywhere in the country, the continent and the world. As a place to do business, it is excellent and as a place to live it has access

2

What are your hopes and plans for the city in 2012?

I want to see work start on the Jaguar Land Rover site which is so important to Wolverhampton’s future. In terms of regeneration, I am really looking forward to seeing the three supermarkets coming out of the ground and the continued redevelopment of the football stadium. It is so important for people to see Wolverhampton as being on the move. I’m also looking forward to hosting the Olympic torch before the London Games next summer.

3

Your background is in the armed forces, having worked for the RAF and NATO, which are obviously very different environments to local government. What skills do you find you draw on now from your time in the armed forces?

The armed forces are all about people working with people and getting the best out of them. It is also about leadership and leadership in different environments. Those are the two things that I use here.

4

What do you enjoy most, or find most rewarding, about your role?

I relish the privilege of being able to positively affect people’s lives day in, day out.

5

The Council and University work together on various projects, for example an agreement formalising trade and investment links between the city and India. What do you think are the main benefits of such partnership working and how would you like to see this developed further in the future?

The relationship between the Council and the University is very close and one that we hold

PEOPLE 23

7

Young people often receive a bad press, but the Council does a lot of important work with young people in Wolverhampton. What are your experiences of young people you have encountered in the city?

There are some fantastic young people in this city. We have children who act as carers for their parents and siblings as well as outstanding sports stars, I think we have to celebrate that. It is very easy to do young people down but the majority of them will go on to do fantastic things when they grow up.

8

Who do you admire?

Two people. The first is Nelson Mandela. It is a matter of dignity. He had been through so much in prison and he later led South Africa with dignity for all. And then Winston Churchill - I admire his doggedness and determination to succeed.

very dear. The key point for us at the moment is that we can align the needs of business and industry that is coming into Wolverhampton with the skills that our people have. We need a close working relationship with the University, the College and the schools. I’m glad to see that this partnership is one that all the elements are nurturing.

I share the same view as the new ViceChancellor Geoff Layer that the University is a jewel in Wolverhampton’s crown and is a key part of the fabric of the city and its future.

6

What advice would you offer to someone hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Whatever you do, it is the people that are the most important thing. Treat them with respect and dignity and listen to what they have to say because sure as anything, they will know more than you! People will always surprise you with what they are able to do.

The University is a jewel in Wolverhampton’s crown

24 SUCCESS STORY

Graduate success story

Matt Zarandi “My Graphic Communication degree undertaken at the University of Wolverhampton is a time I look back on with fond memories.

The staff and students were great but most of all, so was the course. I always find through speaking with others who have studied graphic design elsewhere, that this course gave students a greater depth of education.”

Matt is full of praise for the lecturers who supported him along the way.

“The lecturers genuinely wanted to see their students do well and never closed the door on anyone who required any help, no matter what time of day it was. It was really encouraging especially when the stress started to mount towards the end of semesters and it definitely had a positive effect on everyone on the course.

Name: Matt Zarandi Course: BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Year of Graduation: 2010 Graphic Communication graduate Matt Zarandi admits to having to pinch himself every day when he steps off the train to see his workplace - Wembley Stadium – looming above him.

Now working as a Digital Designer for the Football Association, Matt’s first degree was in Law, but he decided early on that he wanted to change direction and pursue a career in graphic design.

He began a BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication at Wolverhampton’s School of Art & Design, and has never looked back.

“It also helped personally that I knew I was learning from those who were genuinely good and passionate in what they did which in turn helped me believe I was on the right path and in the right place to achieve my potential.

“With the way the industry is and how technical skills that are important today are obsolete tomorrow, I can safely say I was taught what was required as a designer to apply myself to my role today and more importantly to how my role will evolve in the future.”

Matt initially started his career working within e-commerce in the retail sector whilst also studying at University. He was based in Wolverhampton for four years before moving to London to take on his current role at the Football Association.

His role consists of creating digital assets across the FA and Wembley Stadium whilst also having responsibility for maintaining the appearance of the organisation in this environment. He has worked on plenty of

exciting projects such as the current redesign of TheFA.com and motion videos to be played on the Wembley big screen during England matches.

“The technical learning curve is exponential and certainly a challenge that I love, as working for such a high profile organisation requires me to always stay ahead of the game whilst always keeping an eye on the latest technologies that are coming around the corner,” Matt explains.

Not many people can say they are doing their dream job, but Matt is one of the lucky few.

“I feel very privileged to be in the position I am and to be able to combine my favourite sport and hobby into my work life. Every day when I get off the train and out of Wembley Park station, I have to pinch myself as I see the enormous Wembley arch spanning the horizon which always fills me with excitement for what lies ahead!”

He has some wise words of advice for students following in his footsteps.

“Whilst the design industry is very competitive and tough to break into, if you know what you want and are willing to go out there and get it, then anything is achievable. It also helps to have a good starting point which the University of Wolverhampton certainly gives!”

Every day when I get off the train I have to pinch myself.

WHAT’S ON GUIDE 25

What’s on

Guide February

Time: 8am – 11.30am

Centre for Art, Design, Research and Experimentation (CADRE) Lecture: Elmina Doug Fishbone discusses his latest work Elmina, shot in Ghana.

Contact: Abi Redmond

Date: Tuesday, 14 February 2012 Time: 6pm Location: Room MK045, School of Art & Design Building, Molineux Street, Wolverhampton.

Call: 01902 322213 or email: jomills@wlv.ac.uk School of Health and Wellbeing Public Lecture - Professor David Sallah - Dean Leicestershire Partnership NHS Teaching Trust Date: Wednesday, 15 February 2012 Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm Location: Lecture Theatre, MH Building, City Campus Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/shaw/ publiclectures Call: 01902 518617 Postgraduate Open Evening - Discover full and part-time programmes available for postgraduate taught study or individual research.

Location: Telford Campus Website: www.it-futures.com/ntails Call: 01902 323992

April NTAILS Open Day – an opportunity to come and find out more about the NTAILS project, the free support available and tour the demonstration centre.

March

Date: Wednesday, 18 April 2012

University of Wolverhampton Open Day – find out about a range of courses, meet the lecturers and current students and tour the excellent facilities

Location: Telford Campus

Time: 9am – 5pm Contact: Abi Redmond Website: www.it-futures.com/ntails Call: 01902 323992

Date: Saturday, 3 March 2012 Time: 10am – 3pm Location: Wolverhampton City and Walsall Campuses

An evening with Fred D’Aguiar - The poet and novelist reads from his works.

Date: Wednesday, 18 April 2011

Contact: Enquiries Team

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays

Location: Millennium City Building – MC001, City Campus

Call: 0800 953 3222*

Email: Gaby Steinke: G.Steinke@wlv.ac.uk Document Management and RFID – free seminar exploring the benefits of using RFID within document management processes.

Date: Wednesday, 14 March 2012

School of Health and Wellbeing Public Lecture - Professor Magi Sque – Chair of Clinical Practice and Innovation.

Time: 8am – 11am

Date: Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Location: Telford Campus

Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Contact: Abi Redmond

Location: Lecture Theatre, MH Building, City Campus

Website: www.it-futures.com/ntails Call: 01902 323992

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/shaw/ publiclectures Call: 01902 518617

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/pgopenevening

School of Health and Wellbeing Public Lecture - Professor Ken Manktelow – Psychology, School of Applied Sciences.

Call: 0800 953 3222*

Date: Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2012 Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm Location: MX Building, City Campus Contact: Enquiries Team

Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm Lean Manufacturing and RFID – a free seminar looking at improving manufacturing operations using Lean techniques and Radio Frequency Technology (RFID).

Location: Lecture Theatre, MH Building, City Campus

Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Call: 01902 518617

Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/shaw/ publiclectures

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WLV

dialogue

University of Wolverhampton Wulfruna Street Wolverhampton West Midlands WV1 1LY tel: 0800 953 3222* fax: 01902 32 25 17 web: www.wlv.ac.uk/dialogue

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